Redemption song

This year, 10 key players are looking for inspiring comebacks. Who are they?

Life is short. And the career of an NBA superstar can be even shorter.

One minute you're dunking in a Gatorade commercial. The next you're on a trainer's table wondering when the freefall will stop.

For Grant Hill, a bum ankle has kept him in limbo for years. For Alonzo Mourning, his sudden career detour took the form of a dangerous kidney ailment that required a transplant last season. And for Caron Butler, one injury-filled year seemingly poisoned a promising career.

This year, 10 players are looking for an inspiring comeback. The rehab is finished. The scenery has changed. The new head coach turns out to be a friend instead of foe.